Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

You've probably heard that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to make it.

The word 'coffee' actually derives from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee Decaf beans Coffee are fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually preferred to get an even and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and bulk buy coffee beans beans in order to cut costs and ensure quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's crucial to select a high-quality bean from a source that you trust. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a deeper and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes and withstand humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal to grow at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a preferred choice in house blends. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. The beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor. These beans are often utilized to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their the most delicious taste. They thrive at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a little of acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee around the world. It accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.

Now that you know the four most commonly used types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect cup. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean to cup coffee beans or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.